Chris Foy for the Daily Mail's recent articles

CHRIS FOY - WORLD OF RUGBY: This day was always likely to come; it was just a question of how soon. Sam Burgess is back in an England shirt again - this time in the code he is still hurriedly attempting to crack. When the Saxons take on the savagely-titled Ireland ‘Wolfhounds’ in Cork on Friday night, there will be all manner of Test players involved in what is, sadly, a rare ‘A’-team international match. In a World Cup year, so many fringe candidates for national service require these occasions to press their case, but most countries have dispensed with second-string sides - leaving a giant leap between the Under 20s and the senior ranks.
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CHRIS FOY - WORLD OF RUGBY: Poor Hugh Blake. It’s not really his fault; he’s just a young player trying to seize an opportunity, but his name and new status have stirred up a hornet’s nest. National eligibility is back on the agenda again, because it is in disrepute again. A mockery is being made of the spirit and concept of international sport. This column has repeatedly raged at a system which is too easily abused, but nothing has been done so the rage goes on.
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CHRIS FOY - WORLD OF RUGBY: The influx continues apace. All the world wants a Kiwi — players and coaches. New Zealand’s export trade in rugby men is booming, with All Blacks the prized commodity. This week, two English clubs have taken the plunge in deciding to recruit from the most successful sporting team on Earth — with London Irish lining up prop Ben Franks and Gloucester finalising a deal for lock Jeremy Thrush. The Exiles have gone a step further and opted to put a Kiwi, Tom Coventry, in charge of their post-Brian Smith revival mission. He will arrive from Waikato Chiefs with supreme credentials. As a former team-mate of Warren Gatland, he will be expected to emulate the Lions coach by prospering on this side of the equator, but a gold-plated Super Rugby c.v. is not conclusive proof of an ability to thrive in these parts. Tactics and conditions are markedly different.
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